The contrasting conclusions in this 19th chapter of Revelation bring much hope to suffering believers. A recording of this 23rd study in our series through Revelation will be available on the Shofar Durbanville Youtube channel.
As Christians, we want to believe that God will (and should) protect us from hardships. Even though our news feeds are filled with the reality of hardships today and our Bibles are stories of suffering saints, we are often stunned at the sting of suffering. The early believers were warned by Peter to “not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice…” (1 Peter 4:13; compare Romans 5:3-5). What contrast! Yet this verse is such a good summary of the message Revelation conveyed to its first readers/hearers.
What is there to rejoice in when you suffer? Paul wrote that believers should “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). Along with patience and prayer, rejoicing in hope carries believers through times of trouble (compare Hebrews 12:1-3)
Images of hope. Hope is the confidence that things will end well, an image that depicts a desired outcome. It is more than a target – these images move us deeply as they invite us to envision the promise as a fulfilled reality. These images of hope give a reason to go on – the assurance that my endurance will be rewarded. To Abraham, it was the stars above and the sand in his toes that symbolized his offspring. To Joseph, it was the dreams of his reign that kept him faithful to God through enslavement and imprisonment.
Revelation 19 paints three pictures of hope meant to spur on the suffering saints: Babylon’s destruction, the marriage of the Lamb, and victory over the Beast and his False Prophet. Seeing these images will stir the same joyful hope in us today.
Babylon’s destruction (9:1-8). Chapter 18 depicts the fall of Babylon, representing the destruction of each and every worldly system that sets itself up against God and His rightful reign. The saints are called to “rejoice” over her destruction (18:20); chapter 19 opens with this rejoicing.
John hears four “hallelujah” cries, with four reasons to rejoice over the end of this evil empire. The first shout celebrates God’s justice that had been served against Babylon’s cruelty and injustice (19:1-3). The saints were redeemed from oppression, and their enemies were destroyed.
The second shout John hears celebrates Babylon’s destruction as final and eternal – perversion had been destroyed once and for all (19:3-4). Creation had been fully rid of lust, greed and pride, to never seduce the world again.
The third set of shouts celebrates the end of evil’s reign on earth; God’s reign had come, having triumphed over his enemies (19:6). Righteousness, peace and joy will govern the earth forever (Romans 14:7)!
Happily ever after (19:7-8)… [Read the full commentary of Revelation in Faithful to the End]
Quick links to full THE END Revelation Series posts
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